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United States Patent |
6,171,346
|
Yeazell
,   et al.
|
January 9, 2001
|
Dual-step stain removal process
Abstract
Stained areas (2) of fabric are separately treated with a non-aqueous
cleaning composition, followed by an aqueous cleaning composition, and by
using a hand-held device (1) which is rocked back and forth on said
stained areas (2). The fabric (3) is then placed in a bag or other
container, together with a sheet substrate releasably containing an
aqueous cleaning composition. The bag is tumbled in a hot air clothes
dryer to clean and refresh the entire fabric (3).
Inventors:
|
Yeazell; Bruce Albert (Cincinnati, OH);
Siklosi; Michael Peter (Cincinnati, OH)
|
Assignee:
|
The Procter & Gamble Company (Cincinnati, OH)
|
Appl. No.:
|
142879 |
Filed:
|
September 18, 1998 |
PCT Filed:
|
March 18, 1997
|
PCT NO:
|
PCT/US97/04299
|
371 Date:
|
September 18, 1998
|
102(e) Date:
|
September 18, 1998
|
PCT PUB.NO.:
|
WO97/34519 |
PCT PUB. Date:
|
September 25, 1997 |
Current U.S. Class: |
8/158; 68/235R; 510/297 |
Intern'l Class: |
D06F 039/02 |
Field of Search: |
68/212,20,243,235 R
8/158,147
252/8.6
510/297
|
References Cited
U.S. Patent Documents
1679843 | Aug., 1928 | Traube.
| |
2132734 | Oct., 1938 | Hart et al. | 28/1.
|
2552853 | May., 1951 | Isserstedt | 68/213.
|
2810216 | Oct., 1957 | Greer | 38/2.
|
2987906 | Jun., 1961 | Bourland | 68/213.
|
3336616 | Aug., 1967 | Martin | 15/104.
|
4630312 | Dec., 1986 | Milstein | 383/86.
|
5036561 | Aug., 1991 | Calafut | 15/105.
|
5238587 | Aug., 1993 | Smith et al.
| |
5687591 | Nov., 1997 | Siklosi et al.
| |
5789368 | Aug., 1998 | You et al.
| |
5804548 | Sep., 1998 | Davis.
| |
5840675 | Nov., 1998 | Yeazell.
| |
5972041 | Oct., 1999 | Smith et al.
| |
Foreign Patent Documents |
952471 | Nov., 1956 | DE.
| |
93 20 511 U1 | Nov., 1994 | DE.
| |
769416 | Mar., 1957 | GB.
| |
31312 | Mar., 1952 | LU.
| |
WO 97/06723 | Feb., 1997 | WO.
| |
Primary Examiner: Stinson; Frankie L.
Attorney, Agent or Firm: Cook; C. Brant, Zerby; Kim William, Miller; Steven W.
Parent Case Text
CROSS REFERENCE
This application claims priority under Title 35, United States Code 119(e)
from Provisional Application Serial No. 60/013,760, filed Mar. 20, 1996.
Claims
What is claimed is:
1. A method for removing stains from a stained area of fabrics, comprising
the steps of:
(a) applying a non-aqueous cleaning composition to said stained area;
(b) concurrently or consecutively with Step (a), contacting the stained
area of the fabrics with treatment means;
(c) applying compressive force to the treatment means; and
(d) repeating steps (a), (b) and (c) using an aqueous cleaning composition.
2. A method according to claim 1 wherein said treatment means are affixed
to the convex treatment face of a hand-held device.
3. A method according to claim 2 wherein the compressive force is applied
using a rocking or rolling motion imparted to the device.
4. A method according to claim 1 wherein the non-aqueous cleaning
composition comprises a mixture of butoxy propoxy propanol and butoxy
propanol.
5. A method according to claim 1 wherein the aqueous cleaning composition
comprises water, butoxy propoxy propanol and 1,2-octanediol.
6. An overall dry cleaning process for treating an entire area of fabric
surface, which comprises a prespotting operation according to claim 1 and
comprising the overall steps of:
(i) conducting a stain removal process according to steps (a)-(d) of claim
1, on localized stained areas of fabric;
(ii) placing the entire fabric from step (i) together with a carrier
containing an aqueous cleaning composition in a containment bag;
(iii) placing the bag in a device to provide agitation and agitating said
bag; and
(iv) removing the fabric from the bag.
7. A process according to claim 6 wherein step (iii) is conducted in a hot
air clothes dryer.
8. An overall laundering process for fabrics which comprises a prespotting
operation according to claim 1, and comprising the overall steps of:
(i) conducting a stain removal process according to steps (a)-(d) of claim
1 on localized stained areas of the fabric; and
(ii) laundering the entire fabric from step (i) in a conventional aqueous
laundering process.
9. A dry cleaning kit, comprising:
(a) multiple, single-use sheets containing a non-aqueous dry-cleaning
composition;
(b) multiple, single-use sheets containing an aqueous dry-cleaning
composition;
(c) a re-usable containment bag; and
(d) optionally, a re-usable holding tray.
Description
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to devices which can be used to remove stains
from fabrics. The process is especially useful as part of a dry cleaning
operation, but can also be used under any circumstances where spot removal
from fabrics is desired.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
By classical definition, the term "dry cleaning" has been used to describe
processes for cleaning textiles using nonaqueous solvents. Dry cleaning is
an old art, with solvent cleaning first being recorded in the United
Kingdom in the 1860's. Typically, dry cleaning processes are used with
garments such as woolens which are subject to shrinkage in aqueous
laundering baths, or which are judged to be too valuable or too delicate
to subject to aqueous laundering processes. Various hydrocarbon and
halocarbon solvents have traditionally been used in immersion dry cleaning
processes, and the need to handle and reclaim such solvents has mainly
restricted the practice of conventional dry cleaning to commercial
establishments.
While solvent-based dry cleaning processes are quite effective for removing
oily soils and stains, they are not optimal for removing particulates such
as clay soils, and may require special treatment conditions to remove
proteinaceous stains. Ideally, particulates and proteinaceous stains are
removed from fabrics using detersive ingredients and operating conditions
which are more akin to aqueous laundering processes than to conventional
dry cleaning.
In addition to the cleaning function, dry cleaning also provides important
"refreshment" benefits. For example, dry cleaning removes undesirable
odors and extraneous matter such as hair and lint from garments, which are
then generally folded or pressed to remove wrinkles and restore their
original shape. Of course, such refreshment benefits are also afforded by
aqueous laundering processes.
As can be seen from the foregoing, and aside from the effects on certain
fabrics such as woolens, there are no special, inherent advantages for
solvent-based immersion dry cleaning over aqueous cleaning processes with
respect to fabric cleaning or refreshment. Moreover, on a per-garment
basis, commercial dry cleaning is much more expensive than aqueous
cleaning processes. Accordingly, it would be of considerable benefit to
consumers to provide non-immersion dry cleaning processes which can be
used in the home.
One type of home dry cleaning system comprises a carrier sheet containing
various cleaning agents, and a plastic bag. The garments to be cleaned are
placed in the bag together with the sheet, and then tumbled in a
conventional clothes dryer. In a commercial embodiment, multiple
single-use flat sheets and a single multi-use plastic bag are provided in
a package. Unfortunately, such processes may not satisfactorily remove
stains from heavily soiled or "spotted" areas of the fabrics being dry
cleaned.
As is well known, heavily stained garments may be "pre-spotted" using
so-called "spot removal" compositions prior to cleaning. It has now been
discovered that the use of water-based spot removal compositions on
stained areas of fabrics can yield sub-optimal cleaning performance on
some types of stains and fabrics. Conversely, non-aqueous compositions
have now been found to be sub-optimal on other stains and fabrics.
Moreover, it has also been noted that pre-spotting methods typically
involve the vigorous back-and-forth rubbing of the garment with a cleaning
composition and a towel, sponge or other implement. It has now further
been determined that such rubbing can cause fabric damage and excessive
wear.
By the present invention, a dual process is provided which allows the user
to pre-spot fabrics using both a non-aqueous and a water-based cleaning
composition. In a preferred mode, the process is conducted without resort
to rubbing by the use of a device which loosens and removes stains via
controlled mechanical action, thereby avoiding fabric damage. As will be
seen hereinafter, the device is designed to gently implement Z-axis
mechanics only, with respect to the fabric being treated.
BACKGROUND ART
Dry cleaning processes are disclosed in: EP 429,172A1, published May 29,
1991, Leigh, et al.; and in U.S. Pat. No. 5,238,587, issued Aug. 24, 1993,
Smith, et al. Other references relating to dry cleaning compositions and
processes, as well as wrinkle treatments for fabrics, include: GB
1,598,911; and U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,126,563, 3,949,137, 3,593,544, 3.647,354;
3,432,253 and 1,747,324; and German applications 2,021,561 and 2,460,239,
0,208,989 and 4,007,362. Cleaning/pre-spotting compositions and methods
are also disclosed, for example, in U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,102,573; 5,041,230;
4,909,962; 4,115,061; 4,886,615; 4,139,475; 4,849,257; 5,112,358;
4,659,496; 4,806,254; 5,213,624; 4,130,392; and 4,395,261. Sheet
substrates for use in a laundry dryer are disclosed in Canadian 1,005,204.
U.S. Pat. Nos. 3,956,556 and 4,007,300 relate to perforated sheets for
fabric conditioning in a clothes dryer. U.S. Pat. No. 4,692,277 discloses
the use of 1,2-octanediol in liquid cleaners. See also U.S. Pat. Nos.
3,591,510; 3,737,387; 3,764,544; 3,882,038; 3,907,496; 4,097,397;
4,102,824; 4,336,024; 4,606,842; 4,758,641; 4,797,310; 4,802,997;
4,943,392; 4,966,724; 4,983,317; 5,004,557; 5,062,973; 5,080,822;
5,173,200; EP 0 213 500; EP0 261 718; G.B. 1,397,475; WO 91/09104; WO
91/13145; WO 93/25654 and Hunt, D. G. and N. H. Morris, "PnB and DPnB
Glycol Ethers", HAPPI, April 1989, pp. 78-82.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
In the present invention, the user is afforded a selection of cleaning
compositions which can be chosen for their ability to remove different
types of stains and soils. Thus, a substantially non-aqueous cleaning
composition comprising organic solvents can be used to remove oily stains,
especially oily stains on rayon acetate or polyester fibers. The user can
also employ water-based cleaning compositions, preferably as disclosed
hereinafter, to effectively remove particulate soils and stains, i.e., a
"dual" cleaning system. In a preferred mode, the process herein is
conducted by first using the non-aqueous cleaning composition, followed by
use of the aqueous cleaning composition.
The present invention is preferably conducted using a treatment means
comprising a spot removal device, especially a device designed for
hand-held use, comprising:
(a) a base member having a convex front treatment face and a rear face
oppositely disposed from said treatment face;
(b) one or more treatment members extending outwardly from said treatment
face; and
(c) optionally, a hand grip affixed to said rear face.
A preferred device herein is wherein the front treatment face is
substantially hemispherical, or alternatively, inscribes a section of a
hemisphere.
In one embodiment of the device, the face has a treatment member which
comprises an absorbent material such as a sponge, a pad, or the like. In
another embodiment, the treatment member comprises a multiplicity of
protrusions, such as bristles. In yet another embodiment of the device,
the treatment member comprises a sponge base having a multiplicity of
protrusions extending outwardly therefrom.
In other less preferred embodiments, the treatment means need not be part
of the device as noted, but can be simple pads, sheets (e.g., disposable
paper toweling), cloth wipes, sponges, or the like, which can be pressed
against the stained area of the fabric.
The invention also encompasses a method for removing stains from a stained
area of fabrics, comprising the steps of:
(a) applying a non-aqueous cleaning composition to said stained area;
(b) concurrently or consecutively with Step (a), contacting the stained
area of the fabrics with treatment means, preferably using a convex device
as noted above;
(c) applying compressive force to the device, especially using a rocking or
rolling motion imparted to the device; and
(d) repeating steps (a), (b) and (c) using an aqueous cleaning composition.
Reference is made to the FIGURE. In this preferred mode, the process is
conducted using a holding tray or other suitable receptacle as a
containment system for the cleaning composition. This allows the
mechanical agitation afforded by the device to take place in an
environment saturated or partially saturated with cleaning composition,
akin to a "micro" washing machine.
The invention also encompasses an overall dry cleaning process for treating
an entire area of fabric surface, which comprises a prespotting operation
according to this invention and comprising the overall steps of:
(i) conducting a stain removal process according to steps (a)-(d), above on
localized stained areas of fabric;
(ii) placing the entire fabric from step (i) together with a carrier
containing an aqueous cleaning composition in a containment bag;
(iii) placing the bag in a device to provide agitation, e.g., such as in a
hot air clothes dryer and operating the dryer with heat and tumbling; and
(iv) removing the fabric from the bag.
While, as noted, the process herein is particularly useful in a stain
removal step of a dry cleaning process, it can also be used in a
stand-alone stain removal process, or as a stain removal process
associated with an otherwise conventional laundering process. Thus, the
invention also encompasses an overall laundering process for fabrics which
comprises a prespotting operation according to this invention and
comprising the overall steps of:
(i) conducting a stain removal process according to steps (a)-(d), above on
localized stained areas of the fabric; and
(ii) laundering the entire fabric from step (i) in a conventional aqueous
laundering process.
The invention also encompasses a dry cleaning kit, comprising:
(a) multiple, single-use sheets containing a non-aqueous dry-cleaning
composition;
(b) multiple, single-use sheets containing an aqueous dry-cleaning
composition;
(c) a re-usable containment bag;
(d) optionally, a fabric cleaning device, as disclosed herein, and
(e) optionally, a re-usable holding tray.
All percentages, ratios and proportions herein are by weight, unless
otherwise specified. All documents cited are, in relevant part,
incorporated herein by reference.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
The FIGURE is a perspective of the present process using a convex device
(1) to spot treat stains (2) using hand pressure. In this procedure, a
holding tray (4) is placed beneath the fabric (3) being treated and a
sheet substrate releasably containing a cleaning composition is placed in
the tray. The fabric being treated is then placed over the sheet substrate
and the device is rocked back and forth on the stained area. A portion of
the cleaning composition is released from the sheet substrate into and
through the stained area of the fabric. The treatment members on the
treatment face of the device gently, but effectively, work in combination
with the cleaning composition to loosen and remove the stain from the
fabric. This same procedure is followed with both the non-aqueous and
aqueous cleaning compositions used in the present "dual" process.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
The components of the devices of this invention and their method of use are
described in more detail hereinafter. Such disclosure is by way of
illustration and not limitation of the devices and their uses.
By "non-aqueous" cleaning compositions herein is meant compositions which
primarily comprise an organic solvent, with little or no water present.
By "aqueous" cleaning compositions herein is meant compositions which
comprise a major portion of water, plus cleaning solvents, surfactants,
and the like, especially those disclosed hereinafter.
By "protuberances" herein is meant knobs, fibers, bristles or like
structures which extend outwardly from the surface of the treatment
device. Such elements of the device come into contact with the fabric
being spot-cleaned ("pre-spotted") to provide the mechanical cleaning
action.
By "contact with stained areas" is meant contact which is afforded by
impingement of the protuberances, pads, sponges, etc., which comprise the
treatment means or device with the stained area. It is highly desirable
that this contact result in a force which is directed substantially
downward, i.e., in the Z-direction substantially perpendicular to the
surface of the stain, rather than a side-to-side scrubbing motion in the
X- and Y-directions, to minimize fabric damage or "wear". Preferably, the
contact is associated with a rocking or rolling motion by the device,
whereby the curved surface of the device imparts the force in the
Z-direction.
Dry Cleaning Compositions--The chemical compositions which are used to
provide the cleaning function in the present device and process comprise
ingredients which are safe and effective for their intended use. Since the
dry cleaning process herein does not involve an aqueous rinse step, the
cleaning compositions employ ingredients which do not leave undesirable
residues on fabrics when employed in the manner disclosed herein. While
conventional laundry detergents are typically formulated to provide good
cleaning on cotton and cotton/polyester blend fabrics, the cleaning
compositions herein must be formulated to also safely and effectively
clean and refresh fabrics such as wool, silk, rayon, rayon acetate, and
the like.
In addition, the cleaning compositions herein comprise ingredients which
are specially selected and formulated to minimize dye removal from the
fabrics being cleaned. In this regard, it is recognized that the solvents
typically used in immersion dry cleaning processes can remove some portion
of certain types of dyes from certain types of fabrics. However, such
removal is tolerable in immersion processes since the dye is removed
relatively uniformly across the surface of the fabric. In contrast, it has
now been determined that high concentrations of certain types of cleaning
ingredients at specific sites on fabric surfaces can result in
unacceptable localized dye removal. The preferred cleaning compositions
herein are formulated to minimize or avoid this problem.
The dye removal attributes of the present cleaning compositions can be
compared with art-disclosed cleaners using photographic or photometric
measurements, or by means of a simple, but effective, visual grading test.
Numerical score units can be assigned to assist in visual grading and to
allow for statistical treatment of the data, if desired. Thus, in one such
test, a colored garment (typically, silk, which tends to be more
susceptible to dye loss than most woolen or rayon fabrics) is treated by
padding-on cleaner using an absorbent, white paper hand towel. Hand
pressure is applied, and the amount of dye which is transferred onto the
white towel is assessed visually. Numerical units ranging from: (1) "I
think I see a little dye on the towel"; (2) "I know I see some dye on the
towel"; (3) I see a lot of dye on the towel"; through (4) "I know I see
quite a lot of dye on the towel" are assigned by panelists.
In addition to the foregoing considerations, the cleaning composition used
herein is preferably formulated such that it is not so adhesive in nature
that it renders the device unhandy or difficult to use. However, and while
not intending to be limiting of the present invention, the preferred
cleaning compositions disclosed herein afford a spot-cleaning process
which is both effective and aesthetically pleasing when used with a device
according to this invention.
Having due regard to the foregoing considerations, the following
illustrates the ingredients used in the dry cleaning compositions herein,
but is not intended to be limiting thereof.
Aqueous Compositions
(a) Solvent--The compositions will preferably comprise at least about 4%,
typically from about 5% to about 25%, by weight, of solvent. The objective
is to provide at least about 0.4 g, preferably from about 0.5 g to about
2.5 g, of solvent per kg of fabrics being cleaned.
(b) Emulsifier--The compositions will comprise sufficient emulsifier to
provide a stable, homogeneous composition comprising components (a), (b)
and (d). For the preferred emulsifiers disclosed hereinafter, levels as
low as 0.05%, preferably 0.07% to about 0.20%, by weight, are quite
satisfactory. If less efficient emulsifiers are used, levels up to about
2%, by weight, can be used, but may leave some noticeable residues on the
fabrics. Some combinations may require no emulsifier.
(c) Water--The compositions will comprise at least about 60%, typically
from about 80% to about 95%, by weight, of water. Stated otherwise, the
objective is to provide at least about 6 g of water per kg of fabrics
being cleaned.
(d) Optionals--The compositions herein may comprise various optional
ingredients, including perfumes, conventional surfactants, and the like.
If used, such optional ingredients will typically comprise from about 0.1%
to about 10%, by weight, of the compositions, having due regard for
residues on the cleaned fabrics.
It has now been determined that 1,2-octanediol ("OD") affords special
advantages in the formulation of the cleaning compositions herein. From
the standpoint of aesthetics, OD is a relatively innocuous and low odor
material. Moreover, OD appears to volatilize from fabric surfaces without
leaving visible residues. This is especially important in a dry cleaning
process of the present type which is conducted without a rinse step. From
the performance standpoint, OD appears to function both as a solvent for
greasy/oily stains and as what might be termed a "pseudo-surfactant" for
particulate soils and water-soluble stains. Whatever the physical-chemical
reason, OD has now been found to be a superior wetting agent with respect
to both cleaning and ease-of-use in the present context of home-use
cleaning compositions and processes. If used, OD will comprise at least
about 0.05%, typically from about 0.1% to about 1.5%, by weight of the
cleaning compositions herein.
A preferred solvent herein is butoxy propoxy propanol (BPP) which is
available in commercial quantities as a mixture of isomers in about equal
amounts. The isomers, and mixtures thereof, are useful herein. The isomer
structures are as follows:
n--C.sub.4 H.sub.9 --O--CH.sub.2 CH.sub.2 CH.sub.2 --O--CH.sub.2 CH.sub.2
CH.sub.2 --OH
##STR1##
BPP is outstanding for cleaning, and is so effective that it allows the
amount of the relatively expensive 1,2-octanediol to be minimized.
Moreover, it allows for the formulation of effective cleaning compositions
herein without the use of conventional surfactants. Importantly, the odor
of BPP is of a degree and character that it can be relatively easily
masked by conventional perfume ingredients. While BPP is not completely
miscible with water and, hence, could negatively impact processing of the
cleaning compositions herein, that potential problem has been successfully
overcome by means of the PEMULEN-type polyacrylate emulsifiers, as
disclosed hereinafter.
The BPP solvent used herein is preferably a mixture of the aforesaid
isomers. In a preferred mode, the cleaning compositions comprise a mixture
of the 1,2-octanediol and BPP, at a weight ratio of OD:BPP in the range of
from about 1:250 to about 2:1, preferably from about 1:200 to about 1:5.
A highly preferred emulsifier herein is commercially available under the
trademark PEMULEN, The B. F. Goodrich Company, and is described in U.S.
Pat. Nos. 4,758,641 and 5,004,557, incorporated herein by reference.
PEMULEN polymeric emulsifiers are high molecular weight polyacrylic acid
polymers. The structure of PEMULEN includes a small portion that is
oil-loving (lipophilic) and a large water-loving (hydrophilic) portion.
The structure allows PEMULEN to function as a primary oil-in-water
emulsifier. The lipophilic portion adsorbs at the oil-water interface, and
the hydrophilic portion swells in the water forming a network around the
oil droplets to provide emulsion stability. An important advantage for the
use of such polyacrylate emulsifiers herein is that cleaning compositions
can be prepared which contain solvents or levels of solvents that are
otherwise not soluble or readily miscible with water. A further advantage
is that effective emulsification can be accomplished using PEMULEN-type
emulsifier at extremely low usage levels (0.05-0.2%), thereby minimizing
the level of any residue left on fabrics following product usage. For
comparison, typically about 3-7% of conventional anionic or nonionic
surfactants are required to stabilize oil-in-water emulsions, which
increases the likelihood that a residue will be left on the fabrics.
Another advantage is that emulsification (processing) can be accomplished
effectively at room temperature.
While the cleaning compositions herein function quite well with only the
1,2-octanediol, BPP, PEMULEN and water, they may also optionally contain
detersive surfactants to further enhance their cleaning performance. While
a wide variety of detersive surfactants such as the C.sub.12 -C.sub.16
alkyl sulfates and alkylbenzene sulfonates, the C.sub.12 -C.sub.16
ethoxylated (EO 0.5-10 avg.) alcohols, the C.sub.12 -C.sub.14 N-methyl
glucamides, and the like can be used herein, it is highly preferred to use
surfactants which provide high grease/oil removal. Included among such
preferred surfactants are the C.sub.12 -C.sub.16 alkyl ethoxy sulfates
(AES), especially in their magnesium salt form, and the C.sub.12 -C.sub.16
dimethyl amine oxides. Especially preferred mixtures comprise MgAE.sub.1
S/MgAE.sub.6.5 S/C.sub.12 dimethyl amine oxide, at a weight ratio of about
1:1:1, and MgAE.sub.1 S/C.sub.12 dimethyl amine oxide at a 2:1 weight
ratio. If used, such surfactants will typically comprise from about 0.05%
to about 2.5%, by weight, of the cleaning compositions herein.
In addition to the preferred solvents and emulsifiers disclosed above, the
cleaning compositions herein may comprise various optional ingredients,
such as perfumes, preservatives, co-solvents, brighteners, salts for
viscosity control, pH adjusters or buffers, anti-static agents such as
VERSAFLEX 157 or VERSAFLEX 2004 from National Starch and Chemical Company,
softeners, colorants, mothproofing agents, insect repellents, and the
like. Enzymes such as proteases, amylases, lipases and mixtures thereof
can also be used at levels from about 0.0001% to about 1% of the
compositions. The following illustrates preferred ranges for cleaning
compositions for use herein, but is not intended to be limiting thereof.
Ingredient % (wt.) Formula Range
BPP* 5-25%
1,2-Octanediol 0.1-7%
PEMULEN** 0.05-0.20%
Neodol 23-6.5*** 0.1-2.5%
Perfume 0.01-1.5%
Water Balance
pH range from about 6 to about 8.
*Other solvents or co-solvents which can be used herein include various
glycol ethers, including materials marketed under trademarks such as
Carbitol, methyl Carbitol, butyl Carbitol, propyl Carbitol, and hexyl
Cellosolve, and especially methoxy propoxy propanol (MPP), ethoxy propoxy
propanol (EPP), propoxy propoxy propanol (PPP), and all isomers and
mixtures, respectively, of MPP, EPP, and PPP, and the like, and mixtures
thereof.
Indeed, although somewhat less preferred, the MPP, EPP and PPP,
respectively, can replace the BPP solvent in the foregoing cleaning
compositions. The levels of these solvents, and their ratios with
1,2-octanediol, are the same as with the preferred BPP solvent.
If desired, and having due regard for safety and odor for in-home use,
various conventional chlorinated and hydrocarbon dry cleaning solvents may
also be used. Included among these are 1,2-dichloroethane,
trichloroethylene, isoparaffins, and mixtures thereof.
**As disclosed in U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,758,641 and 5,004,557, such
polyacrylates include homopolymers which may be crosslinked to varying
degrees, as well as non-crosslinked. Preferred herein are homopolymers
having a molecular weight in the range of from about 100,000 to about
10,000,000, preferably 200,000 to 5,000,000.
***C.sub.12 -C.sub.13 alcohol average ethoxylate (EO) 6.5; trademark Shell.
Non-aqueous Compositions--The non-aqueous cleaning compositions used herein
can comprise any of the foregoing organic solvents and mixtures thereof,
or other organic solvents which are known for use in spot removal and/or
dry cleaning processes. A preferred non-aqueous cleaning composition
comprises BPP and mixtures of BPP and butoxy propanol (BP) at a weight
ratio of BPP:BP in the range from about 10:1 to about 1:10, most
preferably 9 BPP:1 BP. The non-aqueous cleaning compositions herein are
formulated without the use of water. While some water may be introduced
into the non-aqueous compositions, this will mainly occur as a result of
trace contamination of the organic solvents. In general, the non-aqueous
cleaning compositions herein will be "substantially free" of water, i.e.,
will contain less than about 5%, preferably less than about 1%, most
preferably 0%, by weight, of water.
Carrier--When used in a dry cleaning operation of the present type, the
foregoing cleaning compositions are preferably used in combination with a
carrier, such that the cleaning composition performs its function as the
surfaces of the fabrics being cleaned come in contact with the surface of
the carrier. The carrier releasably contains the cleaning composition. By
"releasably contains" means that the cleaning composition is effectively
released from the carrier onto the soiled fabrics as part of the spot
removal and dry cleaning processes herein.
The carrier can be in any desired form, such as powders, flakes, shreds,
and the like. However, it will be appreciated that such commuted carriers
would have to be separated from the fabrics at the end of the cleaning
process. Accordingly, it is highly preferred that the carrier be in the
form of an integral pad or sheet which substantially maintains its
structural integrity throughout the cleaning process. Such pads or sheets
can be prepared, for example, using well-known methods for manufacturing
non-woven sheets, paper towels, fibrous batts, cores for bandages, diapers
and catamenials, and the like, using materials such as wood pulp, cotton,
rayon, polyester fibers, and mixtures thereof. Woven cloth pads may also
be used, but are not preferred over non-woven pads due to cost
considerations. Integral carrier pads or sheets may also be prepared from
natural or synthetic sponges, foams, and the like.
The carriers are designed to be safe and effective under the intended
operating conditions of the present process. The carriers must not be
flammable during the process, nor should they deleteriously interact with
the cleaning composition or with the fabrics being cleaned. In general,
non-woven polyester-based pads or sheets are quite suitable for use as the
carrier herein.
The carrier used herein is most preferably non-linting. By "non-linting"
herein is meant a carrier which resists the shedding of visible fibers or
microfibers onto the fabrics being cleaned, i.e., the deposition of what
is known in common parlance as "lint". A carrier can easily and adequately
be judged for its acceptability with respect to its non-linting qualities
by rubbing it on a piece of dark blue woolen cloth and visually inspecting
the cloth for lint residues.
The non-linting qualities of sheet or pad carriers used herein can be
achieved by several means, including but not limited to: preparing the
carrier from a single strand of fiber; employing known bonding techniques
commonly used with nonwoven materials, e.g., point bonding, print bonding,
adhesive/resin saturation bonding, adhesive/resin spray bonding, stitch
bonding and bonding with binder fibers. In an alternate mode, a carrier
can be prepared using an absorbent core, said core being made from a
material which, itself, sheds lint. The core is then enveloped within a
sheet of porous, non-linting material having a pore size which allows
passage of the cleaning compositions, but through which lint from the core
cannot pass. An example of such a carrier comprises a cellulose or
polyester fiber core enveloped in a non-woven polyester scrim.
The carrier should be of a size which provides sufficient surface area that
effective contact between the surface of the carrier and the surface of
the fabrics being cleaned is achieved. Of course, the size of the carrier
should not be so large as to be unhandy for the user. Typically, the
dimensions of the carrier will be sufficient to provide a macroscopic
surface area (both sides of the carrier) of at least about 360 cm.sup.2,
preferably in the range from about 360 cm.sup.2 to about 3000 cm.sup.2.
For example, a rectangular carrier may have the dimensions (X-direction)
of from about 20 cm to about 35 cm, and (Y-direction) of from about 18 cm
to about 45 cm.
The carrier is intended to contain a sufficient amount of the cleaning
composition to be effective for its intended purpose. The capacity of the
carrier for the cleaning composition will vary according to the intended
usage. For example, carrier/cleaning composition pads or sheets which are
intended for a single use will require less capacity than such pads or
sheets which are intended for multiple uses. For a given type of carrier
the capacity for the cleaning composition will vary mainly with the
thickness or "caliper" (Z-direction; dry basis) of the sheet or pad. For
purposes of illustration, typical single-use polyester sheets used herein
will have a thickness in the range from about 0.1 mm to about 0.7 mm and a
basis weight in the range from about 30 g/m.sup.2 to about 100 g/m.sup.2.
Typical multi-use polyester pads herein will have a thickness in the range
from about 0.2 mm to about 1.0 mm and a basis weight in the range from
about 40 g/m.sup.2 to about 150 g/m.sup.2. Open-cell sponge sheets will
range in thickness from about 0.1 mm to about 1.0 mm. Of course, the
foregoing dimensions may vary, as long as the desired quantity of the
cleaning composition is effectively provided by means of the carrier.
A preferred carrier herein comprises a binderless (or optional low binder),
hydroentangled absorbent material, especially a material which is
formulated from a blend of cellulosic, rayon, polyester and optional
bicomponent fibers. Such materials are available from Dexter, Non-Wovens
Division, The Dexter Corporation as HYDRASPUN.RTM., especially Grade
10244. The manufacture of such materials forms no part of this invention
and is already disclosed in the literature. See, for example, U.S. Pat.
No. 5,009,747, Viazmensky, et al., Apr. 23, 1991 and U.S. Pat. No.
5,292,581, Viazmensky, et al., Mar. 8, 1994, incorporated herein by
reference. Preferred materials for use herein have the following physical
properties.
Grade Optional
10244 Targets Range
Basis Weight gm/m.sup.2 55 35-75
Thickness microns 355 100-1500
Density gm/cc 0.155 0.1-0.25
Dry Tensile gm/25 mm
MD 1700 400-2500
CD 650 100-500
Wet Tensile gm/25 mm
MD* 700 200-1250
CD* 300 100-500
Brightness % 80 60-90
Absorption Capacity % 735 400-900 (H.sub.2 O)
Dry Mullen gm/cm.sup.2 1050 700-1200
*MD - machine direction; CD - cross direction
As disclosed in U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,009,747 and 5,292,281, the hydroentangling
process provides a nonwoven material which comprises cellulosic fibers,
and preferably at least about 5% by weight of synthetic fibers, and
requires less than 2% wet strength agent to achieve improved wet strength
and wet toughness.
Surprisingly, this hydroentangled carrier is not merely a passive absorbent
for the cleaning compositions herein, but actually optimizes cleaning
performance. While not intending to be limited by theory, it may be
speculated that this carrier is more effective in delivering the cleaning
composition to soiled fabrics. Or, this particular carrier might be better
for removing soils by contact with the soiled fabrics, due to its mixture
of fibers. Whatever the reason, improved dry cleaning performance is
secured.
In addition to the improved cleaning performance, it has now been
discovered that this hydroentangled carrier material provides an
additional, unexpected benefit due to its resiliency. In-use, the dry
cleaning sheets herein are designed to function in a substantially open
configuration. However, the sheets are packaged and sold to the consumer
in a folded configuration. It has been discovered that carrier sheets made
from conventional materials tend to undesirably revert to their folded
configuration in-use. This undesirable attribute can be overcome by
perforating such sheet, but this requires an additional processing step.
It has now been discovered that the hydroentangled materials used to form
the carrier sheet herein do not tend to re-fold during use, and thus do
not require such perforations (although, of course, perforations may be
used if desired). Accordingly, this newly-discovered and unexpected
attribute of the carrier materials herein makes them optimal for use in
the manner of the present invention.
Controlled Release Carriers--Other carriers which can be used in the
present invention are characterized by their ability to absorb liquid
cleaning compositions, and to release them in a controlled manner. Such
carriers can be single-layered or multi-layer laminates. In one
embodiment, such controlled-release carriers can comprise the absorbent
core materials disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,009,653, issued Apr. 23, 1991,
to T. W. Osborn III, entitled "Thin, Flexible Sanitary Napkin", assigned
to The Procter & Gamble Company, incorporated herein by reference. Another
specific example of a controlled-release carrier herein comprises a
hydroentangled web of fibers (as disclosed above) having particles of
polymeric gelling materials dispersed, either uniformly or non-uniformly,
in the web. Suitable gelling materials include those disclosed in detail
at columns 5 and 6 of Osborn, as well as those disclosed in U.S. Pat. No.
4,654,039, issued Mar. 31, 1987, to Brandt, Goldman and Inglin. Other
carriers useful herein include WATER-LOCK.RTM. L-535, available from the
Grain Processing Corporation of Muscatin, Iowa. Non-particulate
superabsorbents such as the acrylate fibrous material available under the
tradename LANSEAL F from the Choli Company of Higashi, Osaka Japan and the
carboxymethylcellulose fibrous material available under the tradename
AQUALON C from Hercules, Inc., of Wilmington, Del. can also be used
herein. These fibrous superabsorbents are also convenient for use in a
hydro-entangled-type web.
In another embodiment the controlled release carrier can comprise absorbent
batts of cellulosic fibers or multiple layers of hydroentangled fibers,
such as the HYDRASPUN sheets noted above. In this embodiment, usually 2 to
about 5 sheets of HYDRASPUN, which can optionally be spot-bonded or
spot-glued to provide a coherent multi-layered structure, provides an
absorbent carrier for use herein without the need for absorbent gelling
materials, although such gelling materials can be used, if desired. Other
useful controlled release carriers include natural or synthetic sponges,
especially open-cell polyurethane sponges and/or foams. Whatever
controlled release carrier is selected, it should be one which imbibes the
liquid cleaning compositions herein thoroughly, yet releases them with the
application of pressure or heat. Typically, the controlled release
carriers herein will feel wet or, preferably, somewhat damp-to-nearly dry
to the touch, and will not be dripping wet when carrying 10-30 g. of the
cleaning composition.
Coversheet--In an optional embodiment, a liquid permeable coversheet is
superimposed over the carrier. In one embodiment, the coversheet is
associated with the carrier by spray-gluing the coversheet to the surface
of the carrier. The coversheet is preferably a material which is compliant
and soft feeling. Further, the coversheet is liquid and/or vapor pervious,
permitting the cleaning composition to transfer through its thickness. A
suitable coversheet may be manufactured from a wide range of materials
such as polymeric materials, formed thermoplastic films, apertured plastic
films, porous films, reticulated foams, natural fibers (e.g., wood or
cotton fibers), woven and non-woven synthetic fibers (e.g., polyester or
polypropylene fibers) or from a combination of natural and synthetic
fibers, with apertured formed films being preferred. Apertured formed
films are preferred for the coversheet because they are pervious to the
liquid cleaning composition (or vapors) and yet non-absorbent. Thus, the
surface of the formed film which is in contact with the fabrics remains
relatively dry, thereby reducing water spotting and dye transfer. Suitable
formed films are described in U.S. Pat. No. 3,929,135, entitled
"Absorptive Structure Having Tapered Capillaries", issued to Thompson on
Dec. 30, 1975; U.S. Pat. No. 4,324,246, entitled "Disposable Absorbent
Article Having A Stain Resistant Coversheet", issued to Mullane and Smith
on Apr. 13, 1982; U.S. Pat. No. 4,342,314, entitled "Resilient Plastic Web
Exhibiting Fiber-Like Properties", issued to Radel and Thompson on Aug. 3,
1982; and U.S. Pat. No. 4,463,045, entitled "Macroscopically Expanded
Three-Dimensional Plastic Web Exhibiting Non-Glossy Visible Surface and
Cloth-Like Tactile Impression", issued to Ahr, Louis, Mullane and Ouellete
on Jul. 31, 1984, all of which are incorporated herein by reference.
In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the outer and/or inner
surfaces of the coversheet are hydrophilic. The surfaces of the coversheet
can be made hydrophilic by treatment with a surfactant which is
substantially evenly and completely distributed throughout the surface of
the coversheet. This can be accomplished by any of the common techniques
well known to those skilled in the art. For example, the surfactant can be
applied to the coversheet by spraying, by padding, or by the use of
transfer rolls. Further, the surfactant can be incorporated into the
polymeric materials of a formed film coversheet. Such methods are
disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,009,653, cited above.
Spot Removal Devices--The devices herein can be manufactured by injection
molding using polymers such as low- and high-density polyethylene,
polypropylene, nylon-6, nylon-6,6, acrylics, acetals, polystyrene,
polyvinyl chloride, and the like. High density polyethylene and
polypropylene are within this range and are preferred for use herein.
The treatment members on the devices herein can comprise natural or
synthetic bristles, natural or synthetic sponges, absorbent pads such as
cotton, rayon, regenerated cellulose, and the like, as well as the
HYDRASPUN.RTM. fabric described hereinabove. Various useful materials are
all well-known in the cleaning arts in conventional brushes and
toothbrushes (see U.S. Pat. No. 4,637,660) and in various cleaning
utensils. Sponges, pads, and the like will typically have a thickness of
from about 1 mm to about 1.25 cm and can be glued to the convex front
treatment face of the device. Preferably, the sponges, pads, bristled
pads, etc., are typically co-extensive with substantially the entire
treatment face.
The protuberances herein can be in the form of blunt or rounded bristles,
which may be provided uniformly across the entire treatment face or in
clusters. The protuberances can be in the form of monofilament loops,
which can be circular, ovoid or elongated, or can be cut loops. The
protuberances can comprise twisted fiber bundles, extruded nubs, molded
finger-like appendages, animal hair, reticulated foams, rugosities molded
into the face of the member, and the like. Protuberances made from
monofilament fibers may be straight, twisted or kinked.
In one embodiment, the treatment member can comprise multiple components.
In particular, the treatment member can comprise an absorbent base
material which can be, for example, a natural or synthetic sponge, an
absorbent cellulosic sheet or pad, or the like. In contact with and
extending outward from this base material are multiple protrusions as
disclosed above. A specific example of this embodiment is a treatment
member comprising multiple looped protuberances made from monofilament
fibers which protrude from a sponge base layer. In this embodiment, the
absorbent base layer acts as a reservoir which feeds cleaning composition
to the protuberances.
In various optional modes, the treatment members present on the convex face
of the device herein can comprise a multi-layer composite comprising a
sponge-like, resilient backing material for a fibrous layer having
multiple fibrous elements extending outwardly therefrom. Such composites
can be permanently or semi-permanently affixed to the treatment members
using glue or other conventional means, and, typically, are substantially
co-extensive with the face of the treatment member. Such composites can be
made from conventional materials, e.g., using a sponge, foam or other
absorbent base pad material from about 0.5-20 mm thickness and a layer of
fibers such as a conventional painter's pad with fibers having a length of
from about 0.05 mm to about 20 mm.
The protuberances herein are typically provided as a bed or mat which
comprises multiple strands or loops which extend therefrom in the
Z-direction. Convenient and familiar sources include pile carpet-type
materials, paint pad-type materials, and the like. In such embodiments,
the treatment member will comprise several thousand protuberances per
cm.sup.2. With the preferred looped protuberances herein, there will
typically be 10-500, preferably about 60-150, loops per cm.sup.2. The
choice of the source, style and number of protuberances are matters for
the manufacturer's discretion, and the foregoing illustrations are not
intended to be limiting of the invention.
The protuberances should preferably extend outwardly from the face of the
treatment member for a distance of at least about 0.2 mm. While there is
no upper limit to their length, there is essentially no functional reason
for the protuberances to extend more than about 1.25 cm.
The protuberances can be made from plastic, rubber or any other convenient,
resilient material which is stable in the presence of the cleaning
composition. Fibrous protrusions can be made from natural or synthetic
fibers. Fiber diameters can typically range from 0.1 mil (0.0025 mm) to 20
mil (0.5 mm). Again, this is a matter of selection and is not intended to
be limiting.
In one embodiment, the protuberances are in the form of a multiplicity of
stiffened, ovoid looped fibers which extend outwardly from the treatment
face. Such looped fibers can comprise, for example, 7 mil (0.18 mm)
monofilament loops of polypropylene extending at least about 0.03 inch
(0.76 mm), typically from about 2.0 mm to about 1.5 cm, outwardly from the
face of a backing material. The diameter of the loops at their widest
point is about 1.3 mm. A convenient material for said looped protrusions
is available commercially from APLIX Inc., Number 200, Unshaved Loop, Part
No. DM32M000-QY. This material comprises a nylon backing with about 420
loops per square inch (65 loops per cm.sup.2) extending from its surface.
It will be appreciated that the devices herein can be made from a variety
of plastic, glass, wood, etc. materials and with various overall shapes,
decorations and the like, according to the desires of the manufacturer. Of
course, the devices are preferably made from materials which will not be
affected by the various ingredients used in the cleaning compositions. The
size of the devices is entirely optional. It is contemplated that rather
large devices (e.g. 200-1000 cm.sup.2 convex treatment face) would be
suitable for mounting and use in a commercial cleaning establishment. For
in-home use, the device is intended for hand-held use, and its dimensions
are generally somewhat smaller; typically, the surface area of the convex
treatment face for home use will be in the range of from about 10 cm.sup.2
to about 200 cm.sup.2. While the convex treatment faces illustrated herein
are, mainly, sections of spheres, the convex face of the device can also
be in the manner of a desk-style ink blotter. Stated otherwise, the front
treatment face of the device can be outwardly curved over its operational
plane, but flat along its sides.
While the surface area of the treatment members can be adjusted according
to the desires of the manufacturer, it is convenient for a hand-held,
home-use device to have a treatment face whose surface area is in the
range from about 25 cm.sup.2 to about 70 cm.sup.2.
Stain Removal and Wet Cleaning Process--The dual pre-spotting process
herein can be used in a spot removal pre-treatment step of a conventional
laundering process. Thus, the stained area is first treated in the manner
herein until the stain is loosened or substantially removed. The entire
fabric can then be laundered in an aqueous bath, in the conventional
manner.
Suitable detergent compositions for use in the laundering step of a wet
cleaning process typically comprise one or more detersive surfactants such
as the C.sub.12 -C.sub.14 alkyl benzene sulfonates, C.sub.10 -C.sub.18
alkyl sulfates, C.sub.10 -C.sub.18 ethoxylated alcohols, C.sub.10
-C.sub.18 alkylethoxy sulfates, C.sub.12 -C.sub.18 polyhydroxy fatty acid
amides, and the like. Such compositions may also comprise builders, such
as zeolites, phosphates, citrate, and the like. Other ingredients such as
detersive enzymes, percarbonate or perborate bleaches, bleach activators,
and the like, may also be present. Commercial examples of detergents are
well-known. Further examples are disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,451,341 to
White, issued Sep. 19, 1995 and in U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,288,431; 4,968,451;
4,597,898 and 4,515,705.
Stain Removal and Dry Cleaning Process--While the dual process of the
present invention can be employed under any circumstances where stain
removal from a fabric is desired, such as a spot removal step in a
conventional aqueous laundering process as noted above, it is especially
useful in a home dry cleaning process, as is described in more detail
hereinafter.
As shown in the FIGURE, the device and non-aqueous cleaning composition on
a carrier are first brought into close contact with the stain, e.g., by
rocking or rolling the device on the stain, typically using hand pressure.
Side-to-side rubbing with the device is preferably avoided to minimize
potential fiber damage. Contact is maintained for a period of 1-10 seconds
for lighter stains and 1-5 minutes, or longer, for heavier or more
persistent stains. This process is then repeated using the aqueous
cleaning composition. After the stains are loosened in the described
manner, the loosened stain matter and excess cleaning composition are
preferably removed by gentle padding with a towel or tissue.
The second step of the overall process is conducted in a tumbling
apparatus, preferably in the presence of heat. In a convenient mode a
nylon container bag with the carrier/aqueous cleaning composition and
enveloping the pre-spotted fabric to be dry cleaned is sealed and placed
in the drum of an automatic hot air clothes dryer at temperatures of
40.degree. C.-150.degree. C. The drum is allowed to revolve, which imparts
a tumbling action to the bag and agitation of its contents concurrently
with the tumbling. By virtue of this agitation, the fabrics come in
contact with the carrier containing the cleaning composition. The tumbling
and heating are carried out for a period of at least about 10 minutes,
typically from about 20 minutes to about 30 minutes. This step can be
conducted for longer or shorter periods, depending on such factors as the
degree and type of soiling of the fabrics, the nature of the soils, the
nature of the fabrics, the fabric load, the amount of heat applied, and
the like, according to the needs of the user.
The following examples illustrate the present invention in more detail, but
are not intended to be limiting thereof.
EXAMPLE I
A dry cleaning article in sheet form is assembled using a sheet substrate
and an aqueous cleaning composition prepared by admixing the following
ingredients.
Ingredient % (wt.)
BPP* 7.0
1,2-octanediol 0.5
PEMULEN TR-1** 0.125
KOH 0.08
C.sub.12 -C.sub.13 EO (6.5) 1.0
Perfume 0.75
Water and minors*** Balance
*Isomer mixture, available from Dow Chemical Co.
**PEMULEN TR-2, B. F. Goodrich, may be substituted.
***Includes preservatives such as KATHON .RTM..
A non-linting carrier sheet is prepared using stock HYDRASPUN.RTM. Grade
10244 fabric, described above. The fabric is cut into square carrier
sheets, approximately 9 in (22.9 cm).times.10 in (25.4 cm), i.e., 580.6
cm.sup.2 sheets.
10-30 Grams of the above-noted cleaning composition are evenly applied to
the sheet by spreading onto the sheet with a roller or spatula using hand
pressure. In an alternate mode, the cleaning composition can be applied by
dipping or spraying the composition onto the substrate, followed by
squeezing with a roller or pair of nip rollers, i.e., by "dip-squeezing"
or "spray squeezing". The external surfaces of the sheet are damp but not
tacky to the touch. The finished sheet can be folded for packaging, and
when unfolded and used in the manner disclosed herein, the sheet remains
in the desired unfolded configuration.
Other useful aqueous compositions which can be used in like manner are as
follows:
INGREDIENT PERCENT (wt.) (RANGE)
Butoxypropoxy propanol (BPP) 7.000 4.0-25.0%
NEODOL 23-6.5* 0.750 0.05-2.5%
1,2-Octanediol 0.500 0.1-10.0%
Perfume 0.750 0.1-2.0%
Pemulen TR-1 0.125 0.05-0.2%
Potassium Hydroxide (KOH) 0.060 0.024-0.10
Potassium Chloride 0.075 0.02-0.20
Water (distilled or deionized) 90.740 60.0-95.0%
Target pH = 7.0
*Shell; C.sub.12 -C.sub.13 alcohol, ethoxylated with average EO of 6.5.
Besides the optional nonionic surfactants in the cleaning compositions
herein, which are preferably C.sub.8 -C.sub.18 ethoxylated (E01-15)
alcohols or the corresponding ethoxylated alkyl phenols, the compositions
can contain enzymes to further enhance cleaning performance. Lipases,
amylases and protease enzymes, or mixtures thereof, can be used. If used,
such enzymes will typically comprise from about 0.001% to about 5%,
preferably from about 0.01% to about 1%, by weight, of the composition.
Commercial detersive enzymes such as LIPOLASE, ESPERASE, ALCALASE,
SAVINASE and TERMAMYL (all ex. NOVO) and MAXATASE and RAPIDASE (ex.
International Bio-Synthesis, Inc.) can be used.
If an antistatic benefit is desired, the compositions used herein can
contain an anti-static agent. If used, such anti-static agents will
typically comprise at least about 0.5%, typically from about 2% to about
8%, by weight, of the compositions. Preferred anti-stats include the
series of sulfonated polymers available as VERSAFLEX 157, 207, 1001, 2004
and 7000, from National Starch and Chemical Company.
The compositions herein can optionally be stabilized for storage using
conventional preservatives such as KATHON.RTM. at a level of 0.0001%-1%,
by weight.
A sheet of HYDRASPUN fabric, as described above, comprising 10-30 grams of
a mixture comprising 9 parts BPP solvent and 1 part BP solvent, with no
added water, is prepared separately.
A stained area on a fabric is treated in a dual pre-spotting step using the
non-aqueous and aqueous compositions in the manner disclosed above.
Preferably, both steps are conducted using a tray device as depicted in the
FIGURE. The sheets can be marked, color-coded, or the like, to instruct
the user regarding which sheet should be used first, and which should be
used second. After the localized stains are substantially removed in this
manner, the fabrics can be further cleaned in an automatic clothes dryer
in the manner described hereinafter.
The pre-spotted fabric and sheet article are then placed in a flexible bag
(most preferably prepared from 1-3 mil nylon film) together with the sheet
containing the aqueous cleaning composition. The bag is closed and sealed
using a Velcro.RTM.-type fastener. Other fasteners such as nylon zipper
and Zip-Lok.RTM.-type fasteners may also be used. In a typical mode, the
bag will have a volume of about 25,000 cm.sup.3, which will accommodate up
to about 2 kg of dry fabrics. When the fabrics and the dry cleaning sheet
are placed in the bag, the air is preferably not squeezed out of the bag
before closing and sealing. This allows the bag to billow, thereby
providing sufficient space for the fabrics and cleaning sheet to tumble
freely together. The bag is then closed, sealed and placed in a
conventional hot-air clothes dryer. The dryer is started and the bag is
tumbled for a period of 20-30 minutes at a dryer air temperature in the
range from about 40.degree. C. to about 150.degree. C. During this time,
the sheet comes into close contact with the fabrics. After the machine
cycle is complete, the bag and its contents are removed from the dryer,
and the spent dry cleaning sheet is discarded. The nylon bag is retained
for re-use. The fabrics are cleaned and refreshed. The water present in
the cleaning composition serves to minimize wrinkles in the fabrics.
Excellent overall cleaning is secured when from about 3 g to about 50 g of
the preferred cleaning compositions herein are used per kilogram of fabric
being cleaned.
EXAMPLE II
The following illustrates a typical dry cleaning kit herein, but is not
intended to be limiting thereof.
A dry cleaning kit is assembled packaging a re-usable pre-spotting device
as disclosed herein, multiple (typically, 5-10) single use dry cleaning
articles comprising sheets releasably containing the non-aqueous cleaning
composition and, separately, multiple (typically 5-10) sheets releasably
containing the aqueous cleaning composition, all of the type described
herein, together with a sealable, reusable heat-resistant container bag,
in a package comprising a conventional cardboard box suitable for retail
sales. In an alternate mode, the articles may be in the form of spheres or
polyhedra. In yet another mode, a reusable holding tray is provided in the
kit for use as illustrated in the FIGURE.
EXAMPLE III
A sheet of HYDRASPUN fabric as described in Example I containing about 17
grams of a 9:1 mixture of BPP:BP is placed in a tray as shown in the
FIGURE. In a first step, a stained area of fabric is placed flat and in
contact with the sheet. The device herein is placed in contact with the
fabric and rocked back-and-forth, using hand pressure, until the stain is
substantially removed. Side-to-side rubbing is avoided.
In a second step, the stained area of the fabric is placed over a sheet
containing a water-based cleaning composition (as described above) and the
treatment with the device herein is repeated.
After the stains are substantially removed, the fabric is placed together
with a sheet containing an aqueous cleaning composition (again, as noted
in any of the foregoing Examples), placed in a containment bag, and
tumbled in a hot air clothes dryer.
In this mode, the containment bag is provided with a series of holes or
vents to provide controlled release of vapors in the hot air clothes
dryer, thereby minimizing wrinkling. Typically, 6 pairs of 2 mm diameter
venting holes are punched in a 25000 cm.sup.3 nylon bag and used herein.
The amount of venting can be varied, e.g., from 6 pairs of 2 mm holes for
1.times. (23 g) usage of the water-based cleaning composition up to 15
pairs of 6 mm holes for 3.times. composition usage.
In an alternate mode, the first pre-spotting step of the process herein is
conducted using a conventional, commercial, spot removal composition. Such
compositions are available as sticks, gels, sprays and the like. Thus, a
conventional non-aqueous spot remover is placed on the stained area of the
fabric and gently worked into the stain by the rocking action of the
device herein. The fabric is then further treated in the manner disclosed
above.
EXAMPLE IV
In an alternate mode, the HYDRASPUN fabric used in any of the foregoing
Examples is replaced by an absorbent pad structure as described
hereinabove as a "Controlled Release Carrier". Optionally, but preferably,
the resulting pad is covered with an apertured formed-film coversheet,
also as disclosed above. The resulting articles comprising, separately,
the non-aqueous and aqueous cleaning compositions, are used in the manner
disclosed herein to clean fabrics.
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